18 Oct 2010

Palestinians willing to drop all historic claims

3:01 pm on 18 October 2010

The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, says the Palestinians are willing to end all historic claims against Israel once they get their own state as part of a peace settlement.

An end-of-claims declaration is a long-standing Israeli demand.

Negotiations were relaunched last month but faltered over Israel's refusal to extend a curb on the construction of homes for Jewish settlers.

Mr Abbas says that negotiating with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains his preferred choice, but that he cannot return to talks unless settlement expansion stops.

Other options remain on the table, he says, including seeking United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state.

Mr Abbas says resignation is not an option for now.